| Medium of instruction: | English |
Gotipua - the precursor to Odissi dance - is performed by boys dressed in female garments and costumes. The word 'Gotipua' literally means 'goti' that is one and 'pua' that is boy, in Oriya. The Gotipuas lead a life of rigorous training and exercise under the supervision of their gurus. By vigorous bending and twisting of the body, the dancer strikes bandha (acrobatic) poses.
When the Mahari tradition declined as a result of political and social upheavals in the state, the Gotipua tradition gained prominence. Patronized by zamindars (landlords) and Akhadas(gymnasiums), young boys would dress in female garb and dance in the public. It was the Gotipua tradition that brought dance out of the temples and into the public arena. Unlike the Mahari tradition, there is more footwork in the Gotipua dance. The age level and maturity of these boys (as young as 7 or 8 years old) allowed for limited understanding and execution of these devotional texts. As Mahari dancers were older, and “married” to the Lord, their dancing could reflect the maturity and devotion in their presentation. Gotipua used to perform in almost all religious celebrations of the God thus became an integral part in the ritualistic procession of Krishna & Lord Jagannath in religious ceremonies outside the temple premises. Due to the extensive acrobatic content in this dance tradition, gotipuas are required to have rigorous conditioning from a very young age—this includes daily oil massage to keep the joints supple, stretching, warm up exercises etc.
| Classroom - Regular | ||||
| When | Duration | Where | Remarks | Price |
| Not Specified | Not Specified | Unit - 8, Bhubaneswar (Head Office) | Duration of the class is 1 hour 30 minutes. Weekl... more |
INR 400 Per Session (Taxes As Applicable) |
Orissa Dance Academy
Orissa Dance Academy, one of the premier cultural institution of Orissa, founded by Guru Gangadhar Pradhan, eminent Odissi dance exponent. Established in the year 1975, it has made major contributions in projecting and popularizing Odissi dance and music, as well as imparting intensive training to upcoming artistes both in India and abroad. ODA’s repertory group has enthralled audiences in the U.S., Canada, U.K, South America, France, Holland, Japan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea, Germany and other countries of Asia and Europe. Their faculties have taught all across India and abroad, including the United States.
Upholding a rich cultural heritage the Academy has moved ahead with its noble and dynamic mission in embracing many artistes into its cultural fold, and aims at international culture amity and harmony.
It is a unique institution where studios are never silent. Training classes are conducted by eminent and experienced gurus in a scientific manner round the clock. It also organizes “Udaya Raga”- young solo dancers’ festival in March, and “Nrutyambada” - the annual festival of dance and music every year in the month of May every year.
It organises 'Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav' at Shanti Vihar, foothills of Dhauli, Bhubaneswar from 10th to 14th December every year to create cultural awareness among the people.
The dedication and devotion of our students to this art form has carved a special niche for the Academy in the cultural arena.
The organization is led and nurtured by Aruna Mohanty, one of the finest dancers in the field of Odissi.
